Head two hours out of London, and you’ll be whisked away to a scene out of a postcard, arriving at Old Drift House – a 15th-century Grade II cottage, with a beautifully preserved thatched roof, exposed beams, inglenook fireplaces, and old brick floors that nod to its long history.
This ‘chocolate box’ thatched cottage dates all the way back to the 1500s, when it was first built as a weavers’ cottage in the picturesque village of Kersey. Its architectural features remain intact today, along with charming details that will transport you back in time.
What can you expect during your stay?
Old Drift House sleeps up to eight people, with four double rooms, three bathrooms, and a lovely rustic kitchen. In the dining room, you’ll find one of the home’s most delightful details: a traditional bread oven, discovered during renovations in the 1970s.
A secluded English garden surrounds the home, adding to the peace and quiet. Here, too, hints of the past reveal themselves – you may stumble on the reworked tool shed, or perhaps the old well that was still in use until the 1950s. The traditional thatched roof is not just an aesthetic feature, either; it keeps the cottage warm and cosy in the winter and cool and comfortable on hot summer days.
A stay here may take you on a journey to a bygone era, but modern comforts are not forgotten along the way. You’ll be provided with everything you need, including items for babies, toddlers, and even dogs – although only a single dog is welcome at a time, and it has to be at least one year old.
Things to do in the area
Kersey is often considered one of England’s most picturesque villages, with quiet, medieval charm – a real escape from London’s city life. Stepping out of the cottage, you’ll be within walking distance of some excellent dining options, as well as a traditional English pub just 200 yards away. You’ll also find a hilltop church and an ancient ford that runs through the heart of the village.
A little further out, you’ll reach Suffolk’s idyllic natural landscape, perfect for hiking and biking, as well as museums, gardens, and even adventure parks and animal sanctuaries for the whole family.
Getting to Old Drift House from London
Old Drift House is located approximately two hours from London by car. To reach the cottage, take the A12 past Colchester, then the B1070 to Hadleigh.
Trains from Liverpool Street Station take about 45 minutes to Colchester and an hour to Ipswich. Both towns are a 30 to 40-minute taxi ride from the cottage.
